Central City - Prelude to the Storm

[Val]

It was never something one could get used to. Every time the sensation seemed to subvert her expectations. A touch more vertigo, a bit more tingling, more of a jolt to her heart than she anticipated.
The swirling flurry of blinding colors rushed past Blaze’s eyes as she struggled to keep them open. A blizzard of neon lights spiralled about herself and Marine as they felt the world vanish beneath their feet. That was the worst part, the feeling of being in freefall.

After a few short moments that stretched out as long as they could the pair would find solid ground again as the bright sun of another planet shone down upon them. Pausing to compose herself and adjust her gloves, check her outfit was presentable, the Princess marched on ahead to the checkpoint. G.U.N. Agents awaited to check credentials before allowing anyone in or out.

She could already tell this would be tiring.

[Xeric]

Marine closely followed her feline companion, feeling slightly nauseous from all the bright, swirling colours and the feeling of falling into nothingness. She grasped onto the bottom of Blaze' mantle and looked up at her.

"So.. what do we do now, mate?" she muttered

[Val]

Before Blaze could answer Marine, a GUN soldier called out to them. “Move along, please. Keep moving.” Upon spotting the lavender cat and the ruby embedded in her forehead, the soldier grabbed at the small radio attached to his vest and muttered into it. A crackle drowned out the reply from Blaze’s ears but she couldn’t help but let out a sigh as she stepped forward, resting a hand on Marine’s back for reassurance.

“Uh..Welcome to Gaia, your highness.” Said a rather flustered looking checkpoint attendant, a human in a bright green security vest that reflected the sun just enough to sting Blaze’s eyes. While she hated being referred to by her status, hopefully leaning on it here would make this process quicker.

[mistressdizzy]

As she approached the check point to the dimensional gate, with her purse and id firmly in hand, Dizzy felt the most touristy urge to take a picture of the gate. It was massive - a great metallic structure shaped appropriately like a ring. She knew the gate existed, and therefore the other world, but she'd had no reason to ever go until now. It was a bit scary, but she wasn't going to be scared off of her first assignment. Not by a longshot. It wasn't like there'd be any trouble. Two GUN agents seemed to be processing a pretty purple feline and a friend. Just show ID, and go.

Don't talk about the pair of robots with you working for an evil egomaniac, or what you have to do for said evil egomaniac. Just be normal.

[Jammerlee]

Approaching the checkpoint and stepping up beside Dizzy was a cobalt blue hedgehog with a tuft of golden fur on his chest. His ruby colored eyes scanned the area with a nonchalant expression as he idly reached for an ID card. Glancing at his rodent companion, he nodded to her.

"Greetings, Dizzy." he spoke coolly. It was then out of the corner of his eye he noticed a familiar looking blotch of violet. His brows raised as he recognized her. "Hrm."

[mistressdizzy]

"Hey, what's up." Dizzy said rather automatically before her brain caught up. Then she blinked several times, but fought back the reaction to not alarm the guards.

"Been a while, right? A few months since we met in person? How have you been?" She could remember the last time she'd spoken with this hedgehog. It had been early days for her working for Eggman. She'd had a surprisingly rough day, with someone dripping coffee on the printer, her computer deciding that this would be the day for a few hours worth of updates, and a stack of papers past her head to collate. She'd gone outside to blow off some steam, and wound up speaking to another data person. She'd expressed sheer frustration, but only that she was unable to get her work done. And then he'd asked her something strange.

"Are you happy here?"

It hadn't taken much thought for her to answer in the affirmative. Despite the oddness of working for a mad genius, the pay was good, the work was steady, and there were free omelettes in the work cafeteria every Friday. So, all in all, not bad.

"So, you keep eyes on all the departments, huh? Wellness check and all that?" She was whispering now, and despite having dozens of questions, she kept them buried. "Where's our other... friend?"

[Jammerlee]

"Hm, something like that," the hedgehog glanced aside. In truth, he tended to drift between the various departments of the EE out of boredom. "You may call me Merce while I am.. dressed in this manner, so to speak. Unfortunately, Magician had a last minute re-assignment and will not be joining us."

[mistressdizzy]

"I see." Dizzy wasn't really sure what to say to that. Would they really be okay with just the two of them? "Well, should we get going, Merce?" She had to admit she was nervous. What lay on the other side? "I suppose if it's just us, there's no more sense in waiting, is there?"

[Jammerlee]

Merce's eyes once again drifted toward the purple feline making her way through customs. He knew her. And he had a hunch that he knew why she was here, too. He glanced at Dizzy.

"Yes. But before we depart there is something that I must do. Follow me, and follow my lead." he said, marching toward Blaze. He stopped in front of her and nodded in acknowledgment. "Greetings. Am I correct in assuming that you are Princess Blaze?"

[mistressdizzy]

Dizzy nodded once, and followed. She wasn't sure what Metal, no, Merce, was doing. But he approached a pretty purple cat and then, called her a princess. A princess?! No way! She'd never met a princess before. Should she curtsy? But no, Merce said to follow his lead, and he hadn't bowed or anything. Maybe they'd met or something like that?

In the end, she wound up standing at some kind of attention, with her hands behind her back. She waited, wondering just who this mysterious princess was, and why Merce knew of her.

[Val]

Blaze had taken hold of Marine’s wrist and tried to lead her through the officials as swiftly as possible. Not only because she found all this uncomfortable but every second they wasted here was more time the Sol Emeralds spent causing havoc.

And now this was happening. The Princess bristled as the cobalt hedgehog approached her. Who were these two? Had theycome here looking for her? The hedgehog addressing her looked...slightly familiar. Perhaps a relative of Sonic?

“I am.” She stated bluntly, her face remaining as emotionless as possible until she could get a better read on the situation. “And you are?”

[Jammerlee]

"I am Merce, and this is my subordinate Dizzy." the android answered, tipping his head forward in respect. "I presume you are here in light of the recent appearances of Sol Emeralds around Gaia. My subordinate and I were just on our way with intent to infiltrate the Nega Empire and learn what we can about his intentions. Do you have any information you can provide us?"

[Val]

Blaze’s eyes narrowed at such a flippant mention of the Sol Emeralds. How did this Merce know about them? Had he seen any, did he have any in his possession already? And to open with his intent to go after Nega….If he was trying to keep this secret, he was doing a terrible job at it. Perhaps this was a trap or some kind, it was far too coincidental to be met like this as soon as entering Gaia. To Merce’s question, the Princess met his gaze and answered as directly as she could, “Stay out of this. It’s none of your concern. The Sol Emeralds are my responsibility. And if you know the location of any, tell me.”

[Jammerlee]

"You are correct, the Sol Emeralds are not my concern. Nega is," Merce answered in a level tone. "I am an agent working with the military and Nega has seen fit to impersonate Dr Eggman while using the Sol Emeralds for means we have not yet determined. We are uncertain what his intentions are, and it is my intention to find out," the android tilted his head tightly, eyeing the princess. "I will gladly trade information on where you will be able to find your first Sol Emerald if you can tell me what you know of Nega. A location, for example."

[Xeric]

Marine remained oddly quiet throughout the exchange, this new environment had made her feel uncharacteristically nervous .. all she could do is fixate her gaze at this new face, who oddly looked like a certain blue hedgehog she met once.

[mistressdizzy]

@dizzy@

Dizzy also stayed silent, wondering just what this exchange was going to lead to. It was really bold of Merce to just blab the truth about their whole operation to this Princess. Hopefully it would pay off.

[Val]

This was pushing on her last nerve fast. They hadn’t been on Gaia five minutes and already someone was trying to hold a Sol Emerald to ransom. Not to mention he may know where others were and was holding out on her. Didn’t he realise the peril he was putting both worlds in for his selfishness?

Blaze’s hand balled into a fist while her face remained a mask of calm. She needed that emerald back…If he was so set on going after Nega then maybe he’d cause the chaotic tyrant some trouble as punishment. Fine.

“Take me to the Sol Emerald." She began. It was a statement, not a request. “And on my word as Princess of Soleanna, I will show you where Eggman Nega’s base is.” She hated leaning on her title but it had its advantages.

[Jammerlee]

Merce stood there, his eyes narrowing ever slightly as he felt a sliver of rebelliousness bubble up from deep within at the demand. He had hoped being direct would have made this easier.

"We do not have time to be sidetracked. We will find Nega ourselves," he turned, motioning to walk off.

[Val]

As Merce turned to leave, Blaze’s orange eyes lowered to half closed. She’d made him a fair offer and he’d refused. She could understand wanting to work alone but he was knowingly withholding information that would save her world.

With a gesture of her hand, a pillar of fire erupted from the ground a few short feet infront of Merce to signal him to halt.
“You’re putting everyone in both our worlds at risk by not telling me. Your pride is not more important than that.” She glared into the back of the blue hedgehog's head.

[Xeric]

Marine jumped back as the hand Blaze was holding Marines wrist with gestured into the air, and the column of fire erupted.

"Give 'im what for mate!" cried out the Raccoon with excitement. She stood to the side of the Firey cat, gesturing her hands as if she was also ready to fight if needed too.

[mistressdizzy]

Dizzy flinched as a column of flame burst out of nowhere, not far enough from her to be at all comfortable. She could feel the heat coming from it and could also feel her knees going soggy. "Ah, Merce, I think she's upset. Maybe we give her what she wants and she doesn't roast us to a crisp? I'm sure she's got diplomatic immunity too, or whatnot..." She backed off slowly, not sure what to do and just trying not to full-out panic.

[Jammerlee]

A roar of heat burst through the android's synthetic and hypersensitive nerves from his proximity to the flames. Throwing his arms up in surprise, a shield of electricity crackled to life and encased him.

"CHAOS THAT'S HOT!"

[Val]

Blink.

Blink, blink.

So he was all talk, it seemed. That confident attitude vanished at the slightest threat…Or perhaps he’d had some bad experience with fire? Blaze felt a stab of guilt at the idea of triggering some bad memories for Merce but he’d left her with little choice. Time was running out and he was standing in her way.

“I’m…sorry if that affected you more than I intended.” She folded her arms, watching the blue hedgehog for his next move. “But you seem to be underestimating the importance of my returning those emeralds to their home dimension.”

[Jammerlee]

Feeling the weight of his now splayed out quills settle back into their usual crescent shape, Merce lowered his arms, but kept his posture rigid. The electricity around his body flickered out, and he pulled in a stuff breath. Unknownst to him, his muzzle had become stained by a red hue.

"I understand the importance completely," he spoke begrudgingly, pinching at the bridge of his snout. "I understand completely that the Sol Emeralds being here will cause both of our worlds to collide, and I understand that Nega is intentionally trying to cause this. I want to find out why Nega is doing this and what he is hoping to achieve. What good will it do you to retrieve them, should Nega try this again later?"

At this point he turned, shooting an annoyed glare at Blaze. "... Sonic has at least one Sol Emerald."

[Xeric]

The racoon jumped forward at the mention of Sonic, grasping onto Blaze's mantle.

"Strewth! Didja hear that, mate? Maybe our pal Sonic is helping us find the emeralds again!" She cried out over excitedly.

[Val]

For all the good it did…Yes, knowing Sonic had a Sol emerald was a relief but how in the world was she meant to find him? Sonic the Hedgehog wasn’t exactly an easy person to catch up to. She didn’t really know where anyone else close to Sonic might be except…an old friend.

Amber eyes met the ruby glare Merce was casting. “You should both come with us. I know somewhere we can treat any…burns.” Her words faltered, another pang of guilt. “And we can find the emeralds together. As you said, what’s the point if Nega can attempt this again? Once I have them collected, I’ll aid you in assaulting his base. Going against him on your own, you would lose.”

[bunnikkila]

As it turned out, the Heavy Magician's assignment hadn't lasted long; with that under her belt, the Egg Robo had been sent out to catch up to Merce and Dizzy.

And, well - subtle she was not.

"Hello hello everyone!" she chirped as she approached. One saving grace was her disguise nanos - for the moment, at least, she resembled a bird she'd seen in some sports broadcast or another.

(Birds floated, right? That was a thing? Magician certainly hoped so. Walking was the pits.)

"Sorry to pop in late. Had something to take care of, but care has indeed been taken!"

She paused, looking Blaze and Marine over before glancing at Merce and Dizzy.

"Making friends?"

[Jammerlee]

A look of indignation crossed the android's face. He would lose? How dare she. Who was she to assume he would lose? He was Metal Sonic, after all! Not that she was aware of that, but he was designed specifically for combat, of all the--

He paused, his mental tirade faltering as he made a double-take at the.. strangely familiar purple bird with flame markings. He had been about to start searching his databanks before he realized this must have been Magician. Where had he seen the disguise she was using before? ... And why was she floating?

"You're here... good," he answered, looking between Magician and Dizzy, and Blaze and Marine. It was clear the princess wasn't going to cooperate. He had hoped she could have helped in making their mission a bit easier, but running into her had only been a coincidence and it wasn't as though they hadn't been prepared to work without her. The android resigned himself, prepared to wipe his hands of the situation and lead his entourage off.

And then a realization struck him.

Blaze was here. Of course she would have crossed over into Gaia after the appearance of a Sol Emerald in the wrong world - and here she was, with no need to track her down. Eggman would certainly want to have tabs kept on her - and, perhaps, having whatever Sol Emeralds she gathered taken from her, when the time came. Merce thinned his lips as he contemplated the options. He turned toward his companions, gesturing toward Blaze.

"Magician, this is Princess Blaze. She is here to collect the Sol Emeralds. She is..." he waved his hand a with a bit of irritation. "... Insistent that we accompany her on this task. She has agreed to aid us in our mission afterward."

[mistressdizzy]

Dizzy nudged the toe of her boot against the back of her leg, scratching nervously. "Hello, Miss Magician. I'm glad you're here. Princess Blaze, I'll be happy to help if Merce determines that this is the best course of action for us." She was hoping that Merce would make that call. Having a Princess in their debt would be no mean feat. She was sure Eggman would be pleased.

[Xeric]

"Aw man.." said the raccoon in a disappointed tone, she was hoping to show off her improved hydrokinetic powers in a fight.

She looked up at the new arrival, and tilted her head to the side like a confused puppy.

Do all birds in this dimension just.. float like that? she thought to herself.